3493 Battery storage research report: Using second-life electric vehicle batteries for stationary storage

Overview:

This research report aims to set out the issues related to the use of 'second-life' batteries for stationary battery energy storage systems (BESS). The predicted growth of the EV industry is anticipated to result in large numbers of batteries becoming available whose energy storage capacity has degraded to the point where it is no longer adequate for use in EVs, but which may well still have enough capacity for use in BESS. Potential benefits include:
- avoiding or delaying the costs of recycling and disposal;
- reducing environmental impacts of disposal;
- reducing environmental impacts of mining and processing of materials for batteries, and
- potential cost savings over new batteries.

The intention of this report is to provide understanding of the issues, identify gaps in knowledge and, where appropriate, suggest 'next steps' to resolve uncertainties. It does not attempt to reach conclusions on commercial viability.